An animator from "The Lion King' created a touching memorial image for Cecil the Lion. (Disney | AP)

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Tuesday, August 04, 2015

Cecil the Lion's death at the hands of an American hunter caused an outpouring of grief and outrage last month. Now, a veteran Disney animator has crafted a touching memorial to the beloved lion.

Aaron Blaise has lent his talents to classic Disney animated films like Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. In a video uploaded to YouTube on July 30, Blaise crafted a stunning memorial portrait for the fallen lion, with Cecil looking majestic as he peers over his family from the clouds above.

"Like many people around the world, I was extremely moved by the recent tragedy surrounding the hunting and killing of the beloved lion know as Cecil," Blaise wrote on his website. "As you may be able to tell I am a HUGE animal lover an it drives me crazy when I see these beautiful creatures destroyed for no good reason."

"When I heard the news about Cecil I got inspired to create a tribute image. It's not much but hopefully it will make people think."